Valentine's Day Kits Support Special Recreation Association

NEW LENOX, IL — When the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association canceled its annual Lunch with the Grinch fundraiser in December, it decided to create Grinch kits as a way to still engage with the community. Superintendent of Recreation Melissa Jensen said the kits were a hit, and so they decided to design a Valentine's Day kit as well.

Jensen said the kits not only keep LWSRA participants engaged but also provide more community interaction.

"After the first 24 hours of sale, we sold close to 350 kits," she told Patch. "The power of social media and word of mouth is quite amazing."

The sales for the kits will close on Feb. 3. The kits are $20 and can be ordered online, with pick-up planed for Feb. 13 at the association center in New Lenox.

"The main concept driving the kit design is interactivity," Jensen said. "The kits are filled with unique, individualized activities that really work to excite different senses."

Jensen said the association partnered with Aurelio's pizza to provide pizza-making kits. Several other activities are in the kit including making cookies from a dessert jar, sponge canvas painting, creating strawberry sugar scrub and experimenting with rock candy.

"Our personally designed activity books include a creative storyline that takes participants through a mini adventure as they follow step-by-step directions to complete activities. The kits have truly become a family activity and many families have appreciated having a simple way to spend quality time together," Jensen said.

The association is also looking for sponsorships so that they can sell the kits for an affordable prize. Funds raised from the kits directly support programs at the association.

Jensen said families have already started asking about Easter, and they are already planning on bunny baskets.